Harding-Birch Lakes, AK
Population 206 · Alaska
About Harding-Birch Lakes, AK
Harding-Birch Lakes is a small community located in Alaska with a population of 206 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,958 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 59.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Harding-Birch Lakes features a median home value of $196,900, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Harding-Birch Lakes in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 476 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (71 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (8 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Harding-Birch Lakes shows an unemployment rate of 10.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Harding-Birch Lakes have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.5% of Harding-Birch Lakes residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Harding-Birch Lakes, AK
Compared to national averages, Harding-Birch Lakes has a median household income of $68,958 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $196,900, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Harding-Birch Lakes's income is 2% above the state average of $67,815, and home values are 3% below the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Harding-Birch Lakes, AK?
Harding-Birch Lakes offers affordable housing with a median home value of $196,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,958) that falls below the national average. However, Harding-Birch Lakes’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Harding-Birch Lakes has a population of 206 with a median age of 59.1 years. Compare Harding-Birch Lakes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Harding-Birch Lakes
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deering | 205 | $55,625 | $106,300 | Compare |
| Golovin | 205 | $63,750 | $102,500 | Compare |
| Seldovia Village | 207 | $74,063 | $203,600 | Compare |
| Nanwalek | 208 | $68,250 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Tetlin | 208 | $0 | $47,900 | Compare |
| Glacier View | 209 | $51,250 | $174,500 | Compare |
| Nikolaevsk | 202 | $55,000 | $187,500 | Compare |
| Northway | 202 | $0 | $179,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alaska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Harding-Birch Lakes With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Harding-Birch Lakes
What is the population of Harding-Birch Lakes, AK?
The population of Harding-Birch Lakes, AK is 206 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Alaska.
What is the median household income in Harding-Birch Lakes?
The median household income in Harding-Birch Lakes, AK is $68,958 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Harding-Birch Lakes?
The median home value in Harding-Birch Lakes, AK is $196,900, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Harding-Birch Lakes?
The median monthly rent in Harding-Birch Lakes, AK is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Harding-Birch Lakes?
The unemployment rate in Harding-Birch Lakes, AK is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Harding-Birch Lakes, AK a good place to live?
Harding-Birch Lakes offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 206 and a median age of 59.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Harding-Birch Lakes, AK?
10.5% of residents in Harding-Birch Lakes aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Harding-Birch Lakes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Harding-Birch Lakes, AK: median home value is $196,900 (20% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $68,958. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Harding-Birch Lakes?
The poverty rate in Harding-Birch Lakes, AK is 26.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Harding-Birch Lakes, AK?
Harding-Birch Lakes's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.